The Best Seafood Dives in Rhode Island

What Rhode Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its number of beloved local seafood establishments, which serve everything from clam cakes to 9-inch lobster rolls. Discover Rhode Island's best seafood destinations here!

What Rhode Island lacks in size, it more than makes up for in its number of beloved local seafood establishments, which serve everything from clam cakes to 9-inch lobster rolls. Discover Rhode Island's best seafood destinations here!

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Coastal Living

1 of 6Photo: Frank Chrupcaia

Aunt Carrie's

Narragansett, Rhode Island

At this 1920-vintage institution, The Rhode Island Shore Dinner—clam chowder, clam cakes, steamed clams, fish-and chips, a whole lobster, and homemade dessert—is about as authentic as it gets.

2 of 6Photo: Blount Clam Shack

Blount Clam Shack

Warren, Rhode Island

Even though this is a true clam shack right on Warren's scenic working waterfront, Blount's giant 9-inch lobster roll is as notable as its clam cakes and chowder; 401-245-3210, blountretail.com/warren/home

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3 of 6Photo: Champlin's Seafood Deck

Champlin's Seafood Deck

Galilee, Rhode Island

This might be the perfect Rhode Island seafood dive location: the state’s biggest fishing fleet bustles in and out of Galilee Harbor while chattering gulls and summer visitors wander the docks. Now all that's left is to dig into fish-and-chips, fried clams, fried shrimp, and the huge fried scallops. And you can’t go wrong with the Rhode Island-style clear-broth chowder. Chase it with crisp, chilled Narragansett Lager; 401-783-3152, champlins.com/restaurant

4 of 6Photo: Courtesy of Evelyn's Drive In

Evelyn's Drive In

Tiverton, Rhode Island

When you enter the little red building on one of RI's tidal ponds, you travel back several decades to an era when this kind of lunch counter thrived in every small town. Time seems to relax. Veteran waitresses will get to you when they get to you. You don't mind the wait; you're too busy soaking up the atmosphere. When the lobster roll does arrive … ah, bliss! For an even more transcendentally coastal experience, eat at one of the shaded picnic tables along the water; 401-624-3100, evelynsdrivein.com

5 of 6Photo: Larry Aubin

Flo's Clam Shack

Portsmouth, Rhode Island

At this super shacky Portsmouth original (locals argue about which Flo's is the best), regulars know to take their order across the street to picnic on the seawall or the beach. The whole-belly clams are lightly battered and fried to perfection; flosclamshacks.com

6 of 6Photo: Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House

Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House

Warwick, Rhode Island

Here's a quick primer about some regional favorites on Iggy's menu: Clamcakes are deep-fried balls of clam and batter. Stuffed quahogs (stuffies) are quahog clam meat baked with bread stuffing in a clam shell. Doughboys are wickedly addictive rectangular sugared doughnuts without holes. Whatever else you try from the menu, don't miss the flavorful New England clam chowder; 401-737-9459, iggysdoughboys.com